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Émile Durkheim his contribution to sociology for UPSC UGCNET

 Émile Durkheim (1858-1917)


He was a French sociologist widely regarded as one of modern sociology's founding

 fathers. He was born in Épinal, France, and attended the École Normale Supérieure in Paris to 

study philosophy. Durkheim's early work concentrated on the social division of labor and the creation of the

 notion of social solidarity.


Durkheim saw society as a complicated system with many interrelated pieces. He contended that the division of labor in society fostered a sense of solidarity among 

individuals and that this solidarity was critical to the overall functioning of society. Durkheim also felt that a system of shared values and beliefs held society together, 

which he called the "collective conscience."

Durkheim's latter work was devoted to the study of religion, and he contended that

 religion played an essential part in the formation of social cohesion. Religion, he argued, offered a set of standard symbols and rituals that tied people

 together and served to reaffirm the communal conscience.



Durkheim's views had a significant influence on the evolution of sociology as a science. His emphasis on the value of social solidarity and collective conscience aided in the establishment of sociology as a distinct area of study, and his work on religion and the division of labor continues to impact sociological thinking today.

HIS CONTRIBUTION

Émile Durkheim was a prolific author and wrote extensively on a wide range of topics in sociology. Some of his major works include:

"The Division of Labor in Society" (1893) - In this book, Durkheim examines how the division of labor in society creates different types of social solidarity, including mechanical and organic solidarity.



"The Rules of Sociological Method" (1895) - This book is a methodological treatise that outlines Durkheim's approach to studying social phenomena and provides a framework for sociological research. "Suicide: A Study in Sociology" (1897) - Durkheim's most famous work, this book examines suicide as a social phenomenon and argues that suicide rates are influenced by social factors rather than individual psychological factors.

"The Elementary Forms of Religious Life" (1912) - In this book, Durkheim explores the role of religion in society and argues that religious beliefs and practices are a reflection of the collective conscience of a society. "The Evolution of Educational Thought" (1911) - This book is a comparative study of educational systems in different societies and provides insights into the relationship between education and social solidarity. "Professional Ethics and Civic Morals" (1950) - A posthumously published collection of Durkheim's lectures, this book explores the relationship between professional ethics and social norms. Durkheim's ideas and theories have had a profound impact on the development of sociology and continue to influence sociological thinking today.


HIS WORKS

Émile Durkheim wrote many books throughout his career as a sociologist. Here is a list of some of his major works: "The Division of Labor in Society" (1893) "The Rules of Sociological Method" (1895) "Suicide: A Study in Sociology" (1897) "The Elementary Forms of Religious Life" (1912) "The Evolution of Educational Thought" (1911) "Professional Ethics and Civic Morals" (1950, posthumously published) In addition to these major works, Durkheim also wrote numerous articles and essays on a wide range of topics in sociology, including crime and punishment, social change, and the role of the state in society. His ideas and theories continue to be influential in the field of sociology and have inspired generations of sociologists to study the ways in which society and individuals are interrelated.


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